SPONSORS & PARTNERS
McLeese Debate Foundation
The McLeese Debate Foundation was established by Willis S. McLeese as a joint initiative between the Canadian Student Debating Federation ("CSDF") and Upper Canada College. Its purpose is to increase youth participation in debating across Canada. Each year, through the McLeese Opportunities Fund, the CSDF provides funding to every provincial and territorial debate organization to support a project that promotes debate in an innovative matter, in a new geographical area, or in a way that promotes the growth of the member organization overall. The Foundation also contributes annually to the National Seminar through a dedicated grant.
Speech & Debate Canada Foundation
The Speech & Debate Canada Foundation is a national not-for-profit private foundation established by the McLeese family to bring debate and speech education to schools across Canada. Its mission is to promote debate literacy and ensure that every Canadian student has the opportunity to develop strong communication and advocacy skills. Inspired by the vision of its benefactor, Willis S. McLeese, the Foundation partners with schools and communities nationwide to teach formal debate to thousands of students. Since 2017, it has supported programs—both directly and through partner organizations—that now reach nearly 3,000 students in every province and territory.​
